French class Paris 5
Looking for a French as a Foreign Language teacher in Paris's 5th arrondissement?
Whether you live, work, or simply love exploring this vibrant and authentic part of Paris, our French courses, designed especially for expats and their families, will help you grow your language skills and confidence.
The 5th arrondissement: a neighborhood that inspires learning
We won't hide it: Paris's 5th arrondissement is one of our absolute favorite places — to teach French and to spend time in, too.
Maybe it's the academic energy, sparked by the iconic Sorbonne, the prestigious Lycées Louis-le-Grand and Henri-IV. Or maybe it's the spirit of brilliant minds who once roamed these streets — students, writers, thinkers — that still lingers in the Latin Quarter. We love the independent bookstores, French and international, packed floor to ceiling, every inch used to feed a shared love of reading. And we often think of those remarkable individuals who, despite language and cultural barriers, made their mark in France — and now rest at the Panthéon. This part of Paris truly inspires us, every day, to teach and learn.
But the 5th isn't only about history, literature, and big ideas. It's a vibrant, down-to-earth neighborhood where people pick up fruit at the Maubert market or grab a baguette on rue Monge. It's full of cafés, lively terraces, and a cheerful, local spirit, especially around rue Mouffetard and place de la Contrescarpe. It feels like a village in the heart of the city. We love wandering here, chatting with shopkeepers, sipping a coffee or a glass of wine, taking our time. On sunny days (and even rainy ones), we head to the Jardin des Plantes. Its winding paths and glass greenhouses are perfect for a quiet moment, a bit of fresh air or some slow thinking.
And there are so many places to learn, open to everyone: the Collège de France, the National Museum of Natural History, the Arab World Institute, the Collège des Bernardins… In the 5th, curiosity is a way of life. Sometimes we stumble into a hidden courtyard or a peaceful garden, like the one at the Centre Culturel Irlandais, a favorite spot for a sunny coffee. Or we stop by the Arènes de Lutèce, an ancient Roman amphitheater tucked behind buildings, where kids now play football and families meet for picnics.
At novexpat, we love teaching here because the whole neighborhood reminds us why we do what we do: share a language, a culture, a way of thinking. The 5th is a Paris of ideas and connection, full of students, families, expats and long-time locals. It’s vibrant, welcoming, and wonderfully human-sized.
Let's start your French journey in Paris 5th!
Private French Lessons for Expats in the 5th
Step out of your comfort zone, confidently
Since 2017, we've been helping expatriates and their families learn French and feel more at home in Paris. Our courses focus on real-life situations you'll face as an expat – at work, at school, in daily errands, and in social settings – so you can improve your French quickly(1) and communicate with confidence.
Whether you're a complete beginner or an advanced learner preparing for the DELF, TCF, or DCL FLE exams, we'll support your language journey and help you navigate the nuances of French culture with ease.
Private French Lessons
Our native French teachers offer FrenchUp private lessons right in the 5th arrondissement – at your home, your office, or in handpicked local cafés. These charming, Parisian settings create a relaxed atmosphere where learning feels natural and enjoyable.
Group French Lessons
Prefer learning with others? You can take our FrenchUp courses in small, friendly groups of peers, friends, or families at the same level – at your office or at your home.
We also offer dynamic group classes like the French Conversation Class and our FrenchBooster Programme. These sessions are held nearby at 54 rue Greneta, Paris 2nd – just about 15 to 20 minutes by metro (or even less by bike…)!
(1) Students in our FrenchUp private lessons typically improve by one full CEFR level in just 30 hours of instruction – from placement test to final evaluation.
Which French Course Is Right for You?
Take Our Quick Quiz!
Private or group French lessons? FrenchUp courses, conversation classes, or the FrenchBooster Programme? Take our short quiz and find the perfect French course in Paris 5 for you in under 2 minutes!
2 Parisian Cafés Where to Take Your French Lessons in Paris 5
Over 11,000 hours of lessons – and almost as many spent in Parisian cafés with our learners!
Not just because we're coffee lovers (okay, maybe a little), but because the Parisian café is one of the most practical, inspiring, and culturally rich places to take a French lesson.
We're always on the lookout for authentic, welcoming cafés ideal for private French lessons. We carefully select and recommend spots in the 5th arrondissement that match your mood, the weather, and the vibe of your neighborhood.
Here are two of our favorite cafés for French lessons in Paris 5:
La Fourmi Ailée
8 Rue du Fouarre, 75005 Paris
Café Maa
33 Rue du Sommerard, 75005 Paris
French Lessons in the 5th: A Perfect Excuse to Explore the Neighborhood
In the midst of busy schedules, daily errands, and the challenges of expat life, it can be hard to make space for yourself. But taking French lessons is more than just language learning – it's also a chance to slow down, connect, and immerse yourself in the rhythm of Paris.
Why not extend your lesson into a little urban escape?
Wander a side street, admire an architectural detail, or step into an offbeat boutique or museum. Every corner of the 5th arrondissement offers a slice of Paris worth discovering.
We're passionate about this city, and we love sharing our favorite addresses, secret spots, and daily rituals with our learners. Because learning French should be more than grammar and verbs: it should feel like a real immersion in the Parisian way of life. We're here to help you fully experience your French moment and truly feel at home in Paris.
And until your next French class? We've already picked out three magical spots to explore in Paris 5. Honestly, it was tough to choose from our long list of favorites!
Stepping into the Cluny Museum feels like leaving the present. Beneath your feet, ancient Roman baths; around you, a flamboyant Gothic mansion; all around, a thousand years of history. You'll get happily lost among carved capitals, stained glass, ivory pieces, and of course, The Lady and the Unicorn, mysterious, silent and mesmerizing.
It's a museum that makes you want to slow down, to look deeper, to read between the lines of history. When you leave, you feel like you've traveled through time. Just outside, the quiet square Samuel Paty invites you to follow a local student tradition – rub Montaigne's right foot for good luck!
28 Rue du Sommerard, 75005 Paris
It's not just a place: it's a true Parisian experience. Grab a Vélib bike (a regular one!) and start your climb from Rue Saint-Jacques up to the Pantheon. A legendary ride through the Latin Quarter, past medieval cloisters, renowned colleges, and little treasures (like a sundial by Dalí—really!).
The hill gets steep between Rue des Écoles and Rue Soufflot (a 7% incline!). You'll sweat a bit, laugh a lot, and at the top, feel triumphant. You've conquered Montagne Sainte-Geneviève and now breathe easy in front of the Pantheon... truly Parisian!
Want more? Try nearby Rue du Cardinal Lemoine or Rue Clovis. Steeper. Thrilling. So Paris.
79 rue Galande, 75005 Paris
You come for the books, but you stay for the atmosphere. Shakespeare & Co is more than just an English-language bookstore – it's a haven for writers, dreamers, and book lovers. You might meet a cat, hear a piano, or find a loft bed tucked in among creaky staircases and cozy nooks.
You'll uncover literary gems and breathe in the history of generations of readers. Then wander next door to the café for a cookie or cappuccino to go. Destination: Square René Viviani. There, sit beneath Paris's oldest tree, planted in 1601, and admire Notre-Dame across the way. Book in hand, heart content.
37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris
Like the illustrated map in the background? It was created by French artist EmYLo, who captures neighborhoods with beauty and charm.
You can order a numbered print on her website. 💛
380+
Expat Students
4.9/5
global satisfaction
87
net promoter score*
100%
pass rate in exams
Who am I?
Bonjour, I'm Fabienne Defaux!
I'm a French as a Foreign Language teacher and a true Paris enthusiast – especially when it comes to the 5th arrondissement a lively, intellectual, authentic neighborhood… a true Parisian mix for expat families.
For over 14 years, I've been helping expats and their families settle into life in Paris. In 2017, together with my husband Pierre-Yves, I founded novexpat with one clear goal: to offer personalized French lessons designed for the real lives of expats – so they can navigate daily life in Paris with more ease, confidence, and joy.
At novexpat, real life is our classroom. Our courses are built around the everyday situations you face – at work, at school, in the market, or on a café terrace – so you can start speaking and understanding French naturally, right from the start.
What do our learners often tell us?
✨ That each lesson immediately helps them better understand their surroundings, connect more easily with locals, and feel more at home – whether asking for design tips at The Demeure, ordering a market-fresh menu at Bistroy Les Papilles, commenting the quirky tales at the Police Museum, doing your weekly groceries at Place Monge, catching up with other parents, or participating in a work meeting with French-speaking colleagues.
With a team of 10+ experienced teachers and a deeply human approach, we design a learning experience that adapts to your goals, schedule, and lifestyle – and yes, even your neighborhood!
Throughout your journey, I stay personally involved to make sure everything fits: the right teacher, the right pace, and the right approach – just for you.
Ready to make French a natural part of your Parisian life? Explore our French courses in Paris and book a video call with me to chat – and why not begin this wonderful adventure right here, in the 5th arrondissement?
How to Get Started
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Browse our French courses in Paris 5th. Discover all the details about our FrenchUp Class, French conversation classes, and FrenchBooster program: prerequisites, syllabus, class structure, testimonials, and pricing.
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Pre-apply online for your preferred French course (no payment, no commitment)
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Get a video call interview with Fabienne, our enrollment advisor
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Receive a detailed training agreement to sign and start learning French in Paris!
Still not sure about what French class in Paris 5th would best fit you?
Book a video call with Fabienne
Not in the 5th arrondissement of Paris ? No problem!
We also offer French lessons in Paris 1, Paris 4, Paris 6, Paris 12, Paris 13 and Paris 14... Six neighboring arrondissements where we support expats every week in gaining fluency and confidence in everyday conversations.
Looking beyond the 5th? We teach in all arrondissements of Paris — and even in surrounding cities like Neuilly-sur-Seine, Issy-les-Moulineaux, and Saint-Germain-en-Laye.
Not in Paris yet? Thanks to our online French courses, you can start learning remotely before your plane even lands.
FAQ
Your questions answered
We offer several formats tailored to expats and their families, including private lessons, duo or trio sessions. Small group conversation classes or intensive programs like our FrenchBooster are held in a classroom in the 2nd arrondissement, easily accessible from the 5th by metro or bike in about 20 minutes!
We teach in different parts of the 5th, especially around the Latin Quarter, Sorbonne, Val-de-Grâce, and Monge neighborhoods. Lessons can take place at your home, in selected nearby cafés, in your workplace, or online if you prefer more flexibility.
Absolutely! Our French lessons are tailored for expats, even total beginners. Our goal is to help you feel comfortable speaking French in real-life situations — at the doctor's office, in shops, at your child's school, during administrative appointments or at the coffee machine with your coworkers.
It all depends on your starting point and your objectives. Thanks to our practical approach and personalized support, each course gives you the keys to progress in the situations that matter to you. For our FrenchUp learners, we see an average improvement of one language level every 30 hours.
Our classes are based on real-life needs, not just grammar or vocabulary lists. Unlike language apps or fully automated platforms, we offer a personalized and structured learning experience with professional teachers who understand the expat life in Paris. We help you speak, connect, and integrate — not just memorize, with highly qualified teachers.
In many cases, yes! We can help you present your learning plan to your HR or mobility team. Our training programs are structured, goal-oriented, and make sense as part of a professional integration or development plan. You can also use your CPF to finance part of your training. Don't hesitate to consult our page dedicated to financing or contact us to discuss it together.
We're committed to presenting all our programs on the site in a thorough and comprehensive way. We've also created a free quiz to help you identify the program best suited to your level, goals and schedule. It's quick, non-binding and gives you a personalized recommendation in just 2 minutes. Finally, if you still have any doubts, don't hesitate to book a discovery call with Fabienne, our teaching consultant. She'll guide you towards the program that's right for you.
Absolutely! We support expat and international children with personalized French lessons, whether they're discovering the language or need academic support. We work with families attending schools like the International Montessori School or the multilingual Collège Sévigné. Our classes are fun, age-appropriate, and help kids gain confidence while improving their French. Lessons can be at home, online, or in a convenient spot in the 5th.
